European Parliament Slams Moldova As A 'State Captured By Oligarchic Interests'
BRUSSELS -- The European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a
resolution highly critical of Moldova, saying it has become a “state
captured by oligarchic interests” that exert their influence over most
part of Moldova's society.
The resolution passed on November 14 voiced “grave concern about
backsliding in relation to democratic standards in Moldova” and noted
that core values are “being undermined by the ruling political leaders
colluding with business interests and unopposed by much of the political
class and the judiciary.”
The resolution also expressed concern about “signs of a further
shrinking of space for the country’s civil society” and called on
Moldovan authorities to “immediately halt undue or disproportionate
criminal proceedings, some of which have been brought about through
fabricated accusations, and selective justice against political
opponents, their lawyers and/or their families.”
The European Commission earlier this year froze the first tranche of a
100 million euro macro-financial aid package for Moldova, citing worries
over the democratic situation in the country.
The resolution said that any future aid disbursement “should only take
place after the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2019 and
on condition that they are conducted in line with internationally
recognized standards and assessed by specialized international bodies.”
Although it does not specifically call for the suspension of the 2016
Association Agreement or the 2014 visa liberalization regime, the
document “recalls” that suspension clauses for both exist.
The European Parliament also passed a resolution on Georgia, which
stressed that high-level corruption “remains a serious issue” for
Georgia and more should be done to improve issues such as labor
standards.
However, the motion voices “satisfaction that Georgia’s European agenda
continues to garner cross-party consensus and the support of a majority
of Georgian citizens.”
It also leaves the door open to Georgia's European aspirations by noting
that “any European state may apply to become a member of the EU.”
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